Updates from the Office of the President

President's Athletic Commission Appointed

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:09:00 PST

President's Athletic Commission Appointed

As part of the University’s strategic planning process, I recently appointed a 12-member task force to review the role of Santa Clara’s intercollegiate athletic program in advancing the mission and vision of the University. The President’s Athletic Commission will consider a series of questions such as: To what extent can an enhanced and improved intercollegiate athletic program significantly increase SCU’s national (and local) reputation as a leading Jesuit, Catholic University? And what resources would be necessary to do so? In their deliberations around these and other questions, the commission will also consult with other advisory groups and University departments, and work with an outside consultant, Todd Turner. The Department of Athletics and Recreation and other units will provide the commission with relevant data, targeted input, and other pertinent information. John Ottoboni ‘69 (University Legal Counsel) will staff the commission.

University trustee John M. Sobrato ‘83, is chairing the commission, which includes members Penny Alexander ‘82 (Regent), Michael Crowley (President, Oakland A’s), Patti Ernstrom (San Jose Sports Authority), Caren Horstmeyer ‘84 , Brent Jones ’85, Mary Mathews-Stevens ‘84 (Trustee), Gary Neustadter, (Faculty member and chair of the SCU Athletic Advisory Board), Marc Rebboah ‘81 , (Regent), Kristi Saso (SCU parent), Andy Schatzman, ‘83 (president, Bronco Bench Foundation), and Maria Nash Vaughn ‘86 (Regent). They will hold their first meeting on June 17 and will submit a final report with recommendations to me by December 15, 2013. I thank the members of the commission for agreeing to serve the University in this capacity, and I look forward to their report and recommended next steps.

2013 Student Awards Announced

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:18:00 PST

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2013 selected to receive University awards. It is my pleasure to acknowledge the following students for their contributions to the University community and beyond.

The valedictorian is conferred annually on a graduating senior selected for outstanding academic achievement and University service. This year’s valedictorian is Ashley Armstrong, who will address her classmates at the Undergraduate Commencement.

The St. Clare and Nobili medals are presented to the female and male graduates judged outstanding in academic performance, personal character, school activities, and constructive contribution to the University. At the commencement exercises next week, the St. Clare Medal will be awarded to Katherine Bercovitz and the Nobili Medal to Aven Satre-Meloy.

The Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award is awarded to graduating seniors who exemplify the ideals of Jesuit education especially being a "whole person of solidarity in the real world" and having the courage and faith to build a more just and humane world. For 2013, the Kolvenbach Award will be presented to Laura Snowden at commencement.

At the Toast to the Class of 2013 held on May 31, Xochitl Davila, Nathan Funkhouser, Alexandria Leenatali, Michelle Maddex, and Michelle Tang each received the Richard J. Riordan Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to service through their work with the marginalized and under-served populations outside of the University community.

Brenda Alba, Ryan Clark, Carlos Gomez, Kevin Oliver, Jenna Saso, and John Schneeman received Student Life Awards to recognize their contributions to improving the overall quality of life in the University community.
Michelle Tang received the Student Inclusive Excellence Award for her commitment to enhancing an inclusive environment on campus.

Michelle Tang received the Student Inclusive Excellence Award for her commitment to enhancing an inclusive environment on campus.

Stephen Layton and Alec Molloy were awarded the Handlery Prize for contributions to the success of a student publication during their time at the University.

This year’s recipient of the 2013 Alumni Association Board of Director’s Service Award is Sonia Suri.

Please join me in congratulating and thanking these outstanding members of the Class of 2013.

Wi-Fi Network Upgrade

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:10:00 PST

Wi-Fi Network Upgrade

I am happy to report that a network upgrade is in the works to completely revamp the Wi-Fi network on campus, with a completion date of December 2014. The project will provide increased speed and coverage while accommodating more use, and expanding availability to include exterior areas of the campus. When the upgrade is completed, Santa Clara’s wireless network will provide robust coverage of virtually all areas of campus with the newest and fastest Wi-Fi standard.

Completing this significant project will require replacing all the Wi-Fi access points currently installed and installing new data cabling for additional interior and all exterior Wi-Fi access points. Information Technology under the leadership of CIO Ron Danielson has already completed an initial portion of the project and has begun the installation of interior access points. During the upgrade BroncoWiFi will continue to be available, with small local disruptions as work is done in each area. Information Technology will coordinate with departments and building managers to minimize impacts to their respective areas. A current schedule for work can be found at http://it.scu.edu/projects/WiFi.

Reminder for Active Shooter Training

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:00:00 PST

Active Shooter and Lockdown Procedures Training

The June 30 deadline to complete the Active Shooter and Lockdown Procedures training is approaching quickly. If you have not yet completed it, I urge you to register for the online course at http://scu.trainingweb.com/. Login using your SCU email address with the password SAFETY. Should you have questions about the training contact Sean Collins, Director of the Environment, Health and Safety Department. Thank you for taking this training and contributing to the overall safety of our community.

Calendar

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:57:00 PST

What's Ahead on My Calendar

April 24 - Sprinksgiving
April 25 - Solar Decathlon Groundbreaking
April 27 - President's Dinner
May 3 - JST Board of Director's Meeting at Berkeley
May 4 - Bronco Bench Foundation Red and White Gala
May 8 - Military Science Awards
May 15 - Catala Club Installation Mass and Luncheon
May 17 - Board of Regents Meeting
May 23 - Misa en Espanol
May 25 - Law School Commencement, 9:30 a.m.
May 25 - JST Commencement, 3:00 p.m.

Preview Days a Success

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:53:00 PST

Preview Days
Many thanks go to the few hundred faculty and staff who contributed to the great success of Preview Days on April 13-14. Over 1500 guests, including nearly 800 admitted students, attended the activities and programs during the weekend. About 50 student organizations, student life departments and academic departments were represented, and nearly 40 different presentations or information sessions were offered.

To those who supported the events either behind the scenes or in the personal contact with our guests, I thank you for your hard work and long hours in helping potential students recognize the special place we have here at Santa Clara University.

2013 Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:19:00 PST

Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients Announced
Our lineup of 2013 commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients is now complete. Last week The Santa Clara newspaper reported on the announcement of Leon Panetta as the 2013 undergraduate commencement speaker. Now that he has returned to his home state, we are honored that former Secretary Panetta will be back on campus to address the Class of 2013 on June 15. He and his wife Sylvia will also receive an honorary degree. Other honorary degrees will be conferred on Stephen ’60 and Patricia A. Schott, Reverend Robert Mathewson, S.J., and James Houghton ’81.

The commencement speaker for the graduate commencement on June 14 will be Pamela Eibeck, president of University of the Pacific. David Drummond ‘85, Chief Legal Officer at Google, will offer the commencement address to the law graduates at the Law School Commencement on May 25. Also on May 25, the Jesuit School of Theology will hold their commencement exercises and host biblical scholar Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA, as the commencement speaker.

Community Day of Service

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:05:00 PST

Community Day of Service
Thank you to all who took part in the Community Day of Service on Saturday, April 13, and to those in the Alumni Office and Staff Senate who mobilized a great turnout. 120 faculty, staff, students and friends joined together to sort, plant, paint, clean, compost and tutor at four neighboring locations. At one of the sites, Washington Elementary School, volunteers helped students with their weekly reading goals through group reading activities. Principal Maria Arias Evans ’81, who directed the activities at Washington for the day, will be honored on April 27 as a recipient of the 2013 Ignatian Award.

Students Selected for "Path to Peace" Seminar

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:03:00 PST

Students Selected for "Path to Peace" Seminar
I have the privilege of again sending two students to an annual symposium on Catholic social teaching sponsored by the Path to Peace Foundation. Carlos Martinez ’15, a double major in Political Science and Religious Studies, and Alexander Nauman ’15 majoring in Operations Management and Information Systems will attend this year’s week-long seminar in New York City in May. Hosted by the Vatican’s ambassador to the United Nations, the 2013 seminar will focus on the 50th Anniversary of the publication of the Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris by Blessed John XXIII.

Through interviews, tours, and in-depth discussions with dignitaries of the United Nations, former ambassadors to the Holy See, renowned authors and other officials, our students learn that on the global stage Catholic social teaching has a critical part to play in decision-making among leaders. The sessions help participants consider ways to apply economic thought, political thought, and ethical thought to Catholic social teaching as they discuss global issues. These learned insights are in perfect keeping with and extensions of their Santa Clara education. Opportunities like these help students expand their worldview and consider the rich and challenging traditions of Catholic social teaching and their faith.

Sprinksgiving: A Day of Gratitude and Donor Appreciation

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:58:00 PST

Sprinksgiving: A Day of Gratitude and Donor Appreciation
A new tradition is beginning among our students this year. Hosted by the SCU Student Philanthropy Committee and the Development office, our first “Sprinksgiving” will be held on April 24, 2013, when we set aside a day of gratitude to celebrate all who have given so generously to Santa Clara University. Each year, thousands of alumni, parents and other friends make gifts to Santa Clara, helping to fund scholarships, immersion trips, student club budgets and new buildings. To show our appreciation for our donors, the campus community is invited to join the celebration by signing a giant “thank you” card on display in front of the Library on April 24, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. In honor of this special “Thanksgiving in Spring” event, free turkey sandwiches will be offered. Visit the Sprinksgiving website for more information.

Law Faculty Appointed to Endowed Professorships

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:10:00 PST

I am pleased to announce the appointment of two new endowed professors in the School of Law. Brad Joondeph was named the Inez Mabie Professor and Stephanie Wildman was appointed the John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Professor. Endowed professorships are awarded to faculty members who have distinguished themselves as teaching scholars and embody the qualities of creative scholarship, collegiality and collaboration, and incorporation of intellectual foundations for ethics and justice. Designed to help recruit and retain gifted faculty who are leading scholars in their disciplines, our endowed professors strengthen not only the academic programs in which they teach but also the University as a whole. Congratulations to Professors Joondeph and Wildman for their achievements!

Santa Clara Named to President's Community Service Honor Roll

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:07:00 PST

In keeping with our commitment to service and social justice, I am pleased that once again Santa Clara University was named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

This special recognition honors schools that excel in “placing students on a lifelong path of civic engagement by engaging them in meaningful service that achieves measurable results in the community.” Completing over 133,000 hours of service, our students accompanied neighbors in impoverished areas of the U.S. and Latin America, engaged in service-learning projects with local community partners, advocated for positive change on campus and elsewhere, and took part in other programs that reinforce our commitment to communities near and far. It is through opportunities with Arrupe Partnerships, SCCAP, the Experiential Learning for Social Justice component in the core and other programs that our students gain perspective, are moved by compassion, use their skills in meaningful ways, and ultimately become leaders to change our world. We can take pride in the recognition we have received, knowing that service reaches beyond the press releases and rankings, for the benefit of the greater good.

Community Day of Service

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:02:00 PST

I would like personally to invite you to participate in the University’s 2nd Annual Community Day of Service on Saturday, April 13. Service to others is a long-held tradition at Santa Clara and has become an integral part of our commitment to social justice. To sign up, visit the website.

Some of this year’s volunteer opportunities are located in the greater Washington/Alma area of San Jose, where the University is actively working towards a place-based initiative with community partners there. Hundreds of our students are already working with agencies and schools in the area through our Arrupe Weekly Engagement Program, Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP), Bronco Urban Garden (BUG), and other efforts. The Community Day of Service is one way that staff and faculty can engage with partner organizations and hopefully build our relationship of mutual service and accompaniment. To learn more about the Community Day of Service or to sign up as a volunteer, visit the Day of Service website.

Calendar

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:18:00 PST

What's Ahead on My Calendar

March 23-31 - Spring Break
March 31 - Easter
April 4 - Board of Fellows Crab Feed
April 5 - Annual Scholarship Luncheon
April 9 - President's Speaker Series with David Kessler
April 13-14 - Preview Days
April 13 - Law Alumni Awards
April 14 - Bergin Society Mass and Brunch
April 17 - GSBI Open House
April 17 - Honors Program Reading Series
April 20 - Pause for Coz Alumni Event
April 27 - President's Club Dinner and Alumni Anniversary Awards

Founder's Day mass

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:16:00 PST

Dear Members of the University Community,

Along with Jesuits and colleagues around the world, we celebrate the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. As a man committed to social justice, he shares the ideals of our own institution. Below you will find the statement of the President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

On Tuesday, March 19, at noon, the University community will celebrate our annual Founder's Day Mass to commemorate the establishment of our school. That is the date of the installation of the pope, so we shall be offering special prayers for his leadership. All are invited to join in this liturgy.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Engh, S.J.
President

"It has been a truly historic day for the Society of Jesus as we learned that our brother, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was selected to lead the Catholic Church as Pope Francis. As Jesuits, we emphasize social justice in our ministry, and we are gratified to have a leader who will continue to live out this mission on a global stage. We pray that the Pope's grounding in Ignatian spirituality will guide him as he carries out this extraordinary calling to lead the Church of the 21st century."

- Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, SJ
President, AJCU

Calendar

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:43:00 PST

What's Ahead on My Calendar

March 2-11 - Trip to India
March 13 - Faculty Senate Meeting
March 14 - Silicon Valley Leadership Group Board Meeting
March 17 - Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Annual Dinner in L.A.
March 18 - Alexander Law Prize Reception
March 19 - Founder's Day
March 21 - L.A. Santa Claran of the Year Celebration in L.A.
March 22 - Markkula Center 25th Anniversary Dinner
March 23-31 - Spring Break
March 31 - Easter
April 4 - Board of Fellows Crab Feed
April 5 - Annual Scholarship Luncheon
April 9 - President's Speaker Series with David Kessler

Board of Trustees Meeting Held

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:19:00 PST

Board of Trustees Meeting Held on February 8

I wish to provide a short summary of key items that transpired at the Board of Trustees meeting held on February 8. The business meeting included the approval of several action items and presentations on enrollment management, educational planning focusing on teaching with technology, and a report by the Chair of Trustees, Bob Finocchio, on his visit with Superior General Adolfo Nicolás, S.J.

Dennis Jacobs, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave the trustees an update on progress towards elaborating our educational vision and honing strategic goals and objectives. In addition, Provost Jacobs articulated a vision for the use of technology in the Jesuit education we offer. Kirk Hanson, Executive Director of the Markkula Center, joined Provost Jacobs to present the Markkula Center’s initiatives that leverage technology to enhance teaching.

Mike Sexton reported that total freshmen applications for fall 2013 reached nearly 15,000, showing a 4.8% increase over last year. The enrollment target is 1275 students. In addition to the Early Action and Regular decision option, this year Santa Clara offered a first-ever binding Early Decision option. Indicators suggest that the overall acceptance rate will be competitive and selective to reach the enrollment target.

Bob Finocchio summarized for the trustees a special meeting he attended with Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, in Rome. Bob and other representatives of U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities were invited by Fr. Nicolás to offer him their perspectives on the state of Jesuit higher education in the United States. Topics on academic life and Jesuit mission, campus culture, Jesuit presence, service to the local church, and service and solidarity with the disadvantaged were discussed for Fr. Nicolás’s reflection in preparation for his visit to the U.S. in October.

Other business at the meeting included the approval of several important action items. The Trustees

approved a balanced budget for 2013-2014;
approved two new degree programs in the Leavey School of Business, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and a Master of Science in Finance; and
approved the proposed changes to the Faculty Handbook regarding grievance committee timeframe and reconsideration process in lecturer and senior lecturer decisions.

In addition to the presentations and approval of action items, the trustees received reports from trustee committee chairs on their respective committees; Patti Boitano, Chair of the Board of Regents; Barbara Molony, president of the Faculty Senate Council; and Jenna Saso, president of Associated Student Government. Following the meeting, trustees were joined by students and Faculty Senate members for lunch.

Women's Softball Stadium

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:11:00 PST

The season opener for the Women's Softball team will be a special one as they host University of the Pacific for a doubleheader at the new SCU Bronco Softball Stadium on February 9. The program's first-ever game at the new stadium will be at 11:00 a.m. followed by a second game at 1:00 p.m. In all, 25 softball games will be played at home this season on the Mission campus, capped off by hosting San Diego (May 4-5) and Stanford (May 7).

Admissions Update

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:34:00 PST

Admissions Update

Our admission prospects are looking very good as the enrollment management team is reviewing a robust set of regular decision applications that were due January 7. The combined total of early and regular decision applications reached 14,945 applications, an increase of 4% over last year. From the pool of admitted students we are targeting an enrollment of 1275 students for the incoming freshman class.

The early applicant pool had a strong showing with 4,677 applications received by the November 1 deadline. This pool included applicants taking advantage of the Early Action and the newly implemented Early Decision options. The combined total of early applicants represented 9% more than last year's single Early Action pool. We were pleased with the outcome of the first-ever binding Early Decision option, under which 85 students have deposited.

Event Planning Office

president@scu.edu (President's Office) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:27:00 PST

Event Planning Office

In December, the Event Planning Office (EPO) staff moved from the Benson Memorial Center to the Walsh Administration Building, and is now part of the President’s Office staff. Karrie Grasser, Assistant Vice President of University Protocol and Events, and her team of Elizabeth Carter, Mary Johnson, Blake Malcolm and Stephanie Woitte, will continue to provide the University with event planning leadership, advisory support, and services that advance University-wide event development and production management. In the new organization, the EPO staff will continue to manage Undergraduate and Graduate Commencements, the Golden Circle Theatre Party, and staffing for the Board of Fellows. Since joining the President’s Office, they have taken on additional responsibilities including staffing for both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents.

The EPO staff is also tasked with developing a set of University-wide standards and protocol, which will help ensure that all events exhibit a level of consistency and quality showcasing Santa Clara’s excellence. Further details will be forthcoming as the team transitions to the new organization and their new duties. They are a welcome addition to the President’s Office, and I look forward to their continued support and assistance in University events across campus.